Analysis: For the first time since November 19, Cissoko was used in a reserve role, with Shaedon Sharpe reclaiming his place in the starting lineup. However, this did not negatively affect Cissoko's opportunities, as he played 32 minutes. And the former second-round pick had the best night of his NBA career, recording his first 20-point game. Cissoko still isn't at the point where he should be rostered in most fantasy leagues. However, he will get his opportunities while the Blazers await the returns of players such as Jrue Holiday, Matisse Thybulle and Scoot Henderson.

Analysis: Grant shot 1-of-7 from beyond the arc on Thursday, which did a number on his overall field-goal percentage. Over the past two weeks, the Trail Blazers forward has been a top-75 player in eight-cat formats. And that's with him shooting 38.8 percent from the field. Grant has been more productive as a rebounder and shot-blocker, which has boosted his fantasy value. Rostered in 43 percent of Yahoo! leagues, he'll be worth a look ahead of Portland's final game of Week 8 on Sunday against the Warriors.

Analysis: While Avdija recorded a complete stat line and kept the turnovers in check, committing two, he struggled with his shot in New Orleans. And that was with the Pelicans' top defender, Herb Jones, getting ejected just before halftime. Over the past two weeks, Avdija has provided top-25 per-game value in eight-cat formats. That's slightly higher than his season-long production, and the 6-foot-9 will possess a high fantasy ceiling as long as the Trail Blazers remain without Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson.

Analysis: While Sharpe's minutes restriction had been lifted for a few games, acting head coach Tiago Splitter continued to bring him off the bench. That changed on Thursday, with the athletic guard replacing Sidy Cissoko with Portland's first five. Sharpe was productive in that role, with his night including a 4-of-6 effort from beyond the arc. For the season, he remains ranked outside the top-100 in eight- and nine-cat formats, providing greater value in the former.

Analysis: Portland is without Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III and Yang Hansen due to injury. Interim head coach Tiago Splitter has decided to go small to begin Thursday's game, with Murray moving into the starting lineup. The other change is Sharpe, who returns to the lineup at the expense of Sidy Cissoko.

Analysis: With Donovan Clingan already out, Williams will join him on the sidelines for Thursday's game. Portland will also be without Yang Hansen, leaving Duop Reath as the lone healthy center on the roster. While the Blazers can go without a center on occasion, Reath is worth streaming on a four-game night.

Analysis: Williams missed Saturday's game with an illness, but despite his questionable listing seems on track to play in Thursday's game against the Pelicans. The 28-year-old center returned to a full practice on Tuesday. With Williams back, Yang Hansen will likely move to the bench and Duop Reath will see fewer minutes.

Analysis: It appears all three Trail Blazers are still a ways away from returning to the floor. Scoot has yet to suit up this season, while Holiday has been out almost a month and Thybulle hasn't played since October. Portland has made it work without Scoot and Jrue by starting Sidy Cissoko and putting the ball in Deni Avdija's hands, though the return of either would help this rotation tremendously.

Analysis: Williams missed Sunday's game with an illness, but he was able to practice in full. That implies he'll be able to return for Thursday's game against New Orleans, though the official injury report will have to confirm that. His return will take away from Duop Reath and Yang Hansen's minutes regardless of Donovan Clingan's (leg) status.

Analysis: Grant was one of the few bright spots for the Trail Blazers in this one as he still managed to eclipse the 20-point threshold despite shooting just 31 percent from the floor, including 2-of-8 from three-point range. He did most of his damage at the charity stripe, knocking down 9-of-10 from the line. The 31-year-old forward has been hot of late, averaging 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.0 blocks over his last four games. Portland has a light two-game week on tap with matchups against the Pelicans and Warriors.

Analysis: Avdija has been excellent over the past two weeks, averaging 27.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.4 blocks over a seven-game span during that timeframe, delivering fourth-round fantasy value in the process. The 24-year-old got to the line just three times in this one after recording double-digit free throw attempts in each of his previous five games. Despite his recent hot streak, Portland has lost five of its last six and 10 of their last 13 overall.

Analysis: Added to the injury report Sunday afternoon, Williams will not be able to play. With Donovan Clingan (leg) also out, the Trail Blazers will be without their top two centers. Duop Reath and Yang Hansen will have to do the heavy lifting in Memphis.

Analysis: Williams is a late addition to the injury report, and that's typically not a good sign for a player's availability. With Donovan Clingan (leg) questionable, Portland could give additional minutes to Duop Reath and Yang Hansen if both Williams and Clingan end up sidelined.

Analysis: Holiday's continued absence means Deni Avdija will remain the primary playmaker for the Trail Blazers. Already rostered in most leagues, Avdija boasts an even higher fantasy ceiling with Holiday unavailable.

Analysis: Avdija was just one rebound and three assists shy of a triple-double. The 24-year-old small forward led the way with 35 points, though Jerami Grant had 29 points and Shaedon Sharpe had 28 points. For the season, Avdija is providing third-round fantasy value.

Analysis: Williams will be available off the bench after missing Wednesday's game, which was the second of a back-to-back. With Donovan Clingan (leg) sidelined, Williams' role becomes more important, but they won't increase his minutes by much.

Analysis: Murray will be back after missing Wednesday's game against Cleveland. However, Donovan Clingan (leg) is out. Murray started in place of Clingan the last time he missed a game, which could happen again. Regardless, Murray should at least see a bump in minutes.

Analysis: Williams was not made available for Wednesday's win over the Cavaliers, as it was the second game in as many nights for the Trail Blazers. If he can play on Friday, Duop Reath would be the player most impacted after he logged 11 minutes on Wednesday. There's no need to roster Reath, regardless of Williams' availability.

Analysis: Murray did not play in Wednesday's win over the Cavaliers, resulting in more playing time for Caleb Love. The rookie guard played 27 minutes on Wednesday and scored 20 points. If Murray remains out, Love would be worth a roll of the dice in extremely deep leagues.

Analysis: While Sharpe once again came off the bench, the fact that he was able to play both games of Portland's first back-to-back since missing four games due to injury was encouraging. The athletic wing was productive in his 31 minutes, finishing a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Sidy Cissoko, who has been the starter, played well in Cleveland, finishing with 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one three-pointer in 25 minutes. Even with the run of starts, he is not at a point where he needs to be rostered in fantasy leagues.